Abena Christine Jon’el, a 33-year-old model and writer, made a powerful statement at a recent fashion show in Ghana, walking the runway with her prosthetic leg wrapped in vibrant African print. The Ghanaian-American aimed to bring visibility to people with disabilities, building on her advocacy work in both the US and Ghana.
Abena’s journey with disability began at age two, when a rare cancer led to the amputation of her right leg. Growing up in Chicago, she faced challenges with confidence and movement but never fit the quiet, inspirational stereotype often assigned to disabled children. She describes herself as loud and determined, her personality shaped by her experiences.
As an adult, Abena worked as a writer and public speaker, hoping to inspire others to see their own potential. Drawn to Africa, she studied its history and finally visited Ghana in 2021. The trip was transformative. After visiting the Assin Manso slave river site, she felt a deep sense of belonging, prompting her to move to Ghana three months later.
Now living in Accra, Abena says Ghana has embraced her fully. Her prosthetic leg, wrapped in kente cloth, reflects her love for the country. She believes her Ghanaian identity is both ancestral and adopted.
Abena’s advocacy now focuses on representation for disabled people in Ghana, where she sees a need for more visibility and positive portrayals. In the US, she notes greater progress in inclusion, though challenges remain. In Ghana, she works to break stigma by showing disabled people as ambitious, stylish, and proud.
Her runway appearance at Rhythms on the Runway, one of Africa’s top fashion events, was a milestone. Abena wanted her presence to challenge perceptions and open doors for others. The response from organizers and the crowd was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a moment of true inclusion.
For Abena, the night was about more than applause. It was a message that disabled people can and should take center stage. Her story is about reclaiming identity, mobility, and belonging. Whether on the runway or in everyday life, Abena is committed to shining a light on disability and refuses to let others be dimmed.
“Ghana is my home,” she says.
